Electronic device with glass housing member

ABSTRACT

An electronic device may include a glass housing member that includes an upper portion defining a display area, a lower portion defining an input area, and a transition portion joining the upper portion and the lower portion and defining a continuous, curved surface between the upper portion and the lower portion. The electronic device may include a display coupled to the glass housing member and configured to provide a visual output at the display area. The electronic device may include an input device coupled to the glass housing member and configured to detect inputs at the input area. The electronic device may include a support structure coupled to the glass housing member and configured to support the computing device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/401,004, filed May 1, 2019 and titled“Electronic Device with Glass Housing Member,” which is a nonprovisionalpatent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/701,507, filed Jul. 20, 2018, and titled “ElectronicDevice with Glass Housing Member,” the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to an electronic device. Moreparticularly, the present embodiments relate to an electronic devicethat includes a glass housing member.

BACKGROUND

Many electronic devices include multiple distinct components in whichinput and output devices are provided. For example, a display enclosuremay be separate from an input device or keyboard enclosure.Additionally, the enclosure(s) of some traditional electronic devicesmay be formed from materials that are easily scratched or that providean inferior tactile feel or visual appearance.

SUMMARY

An electronic device may include a glass housing member that includes anupper portion defining a display area, a lower portion defining an inputarea, and a transition portion extending between the upper portion andthe lower portion and defining part of a continuous surface defined bythe upper portion, the lower portion, and the transition portion. Theelectronic device may include a display coupled to the glass housingmember and configured to provide a visual output at the display area.The electronic device may include an input device coupled to the glasshousing member and configured to detect an input at the input area. Theelectronic device may include a support structure coupled to the glasshousing member and configured to support the glass housing member.

A desktop computer may include a display, an input device operablycoupled to the display, and a glass sheet. The glass sheet may include afirst portion defining a planar display area, a second portion defininga planar input area, and a curved portion between the planar displayarea and the planar input area. The desktop computer may include asupport structure coupled to the glass sheet and configured to supportthe glass sheet.

An electronic device may include a slumped glass housing member defininga continuous exterior surface of the electronic device and an openingextending through the slumped glass housing member. The electronicdevice may include a support structure coupled to the slumped glasshousing member and configured to support the slumped glass housingmember. The electronic device may include a display coupled to an upperportion of the slumped glass housing member. The electronic device mayinclude a keyboard having a storage configuration in which the keyboardis positioned at least partially within the opening and a useconfiguration in which the keyboard is extended from the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example electronic device that includes a housingmember.

FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate view of the electronic device of FIG.1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device of FIGS. 1Aand 1B.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example electronic device.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate example electronic devices.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example electronic device.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device.

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device.

FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate an example electronic device.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an example electronic device.

FIG. 13A-13B illustrate an example electronic device in which a housingmember is configured to move relative to a support structure.

FIG. 14A-14B illustrate an example electronic device in which at least aportion of a housing member is configured to move relative to a supportstructure.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate an example electronic device in which a heightof an upper portion of a housing member is adjustable.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example electronic device in which a height of anupper portion of a housing member is adjustable.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example electronic device in which a height of anupper portion of a housing member is adjustable.

FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate an example electronic device in which acurvature of a housing member is adjustable.

FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate an example electronic device in which acurvature of a housing member is adjustable.

FIGS. 19C-19D illustrate an example curvature control mechanism.

FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate an example electronic device.

FIGS. 20C-20E illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device, taken through section line D-D of FIG. 20A.

FIGS. 20F and 20G illustrate an electronic device in a foldedconfiguration.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example electronic device.

FIG. 22 is an illustrative block diagram of an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, they are intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

Traditional desktop computers typically include discrete displays andinput devices (e.g., keyboards, mice, and the like). The followingdisclosure relates to computing systems, such as desktop computers, thatinclude a single member that defines a surface that includes one or moreinterface areas, such as an output area (e.g., a display area) and aninput area. In various embodiments, a housing or structure of anelectronic device may be formed from a housing member (e.g., anoptically transmissive member) that encompasses both a display area andan input area of the electronic device. One or more display components(e.g., OLED displays, LED displays, and the like) may be coupled to thehousing member and configured to provide a graphical output at thedisplay area. Similarly, one or more input components (e.g., touchsensors, force sensors, biometric sensors, and the like) may be coupledto the housing member and configured to detect inputs at the input area.Additional input and output components are envisioned and discussed inmore detail below.

In some embodiments, the housing member defines a continuous exteriorsurface of the electronic device. The exterior surface may include oneor more interface areas for providing outputs, receiving inputs, or somecombination thereof. In some embodiments, the housing member includes afirst portion (e.g., an upper portion) that defines a planar displayarea, a second portion (e.g., a lower portion) that defines a planarinput area, and a curved portion (e.g., a transition portion) extendingbetween the first and second portions. In some embodiments, the upperportion, the lower portion, and the transition portion cooperate to forma continuous exterior surface of the electronic device. In variousembodiments, interface areas may overlap and/or provide multiple typesof functionality (e.g., receiving inputs and providing outputs).

The housing member may be formed from any suitable material, such asplastic, ceramic, glass, composites, or combinations thereof. Forexample, the housing member may be a single piece of glass that has beenmolded (e.g., slumped) to form the various portions of the housingmember. The electronic device may take the form of or be included in anysuitable computing device, including a desktop computer, a laptop, atablet, a smartphone, an automobile, a wearable audio device, anappliance, an accessory device, or the like.

In various embodiments, output components (e.g., display components)and/or input components may be coupled to and/or integrated with thehousing member or other portions of the electronic device. The outputand/or input components may be positioned at various locations relativeto the surface of the housing member, such as within the housing member,coupled to a surface of the housing member, or some combination thereof.

In various embodiments, one or more interface areas (e.g., displayareas, input areas, and the like) may be defined by the housing memberand/or one or more components of the electronic device. Interface areasmay be defined at a portion of the housing member (e.g., an upperportion, a lower portion, or a transition portion), or extend acrossmultiple portions of the housing member. An electronic device mayinclude multiple interface areas. In various embodiments, interfaceareas may provide both input and output functionality. Interface areasmay be planar, curved, or some combination thereof. The interface areas,as well as corresponding display components and input components, mayhave a curvature that corresponds to a curvature of the housing member.

As discussed above, the interface areas described herein may include oneor more of display areas where graphical outputs are provided or inputareas where inputs are detected and/or received. The electronic devicesmay additionally or alternatively include one or more additional areasfor providing device functionality. For example, the electronic devicesmay include one or more output areas for providing outputs (e.g., visualoutputs, audio outputs, haptic outputs, and the like), charging areasfor charging electronic devices, data transfer areas for exchanging dataand/or communicating with other devices, and the like. The electronicdevices may include various components, as appropriate, to facilitateproviding device functionality at the additional areas.

In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a support structure.In various embodiments, the housing member and/or the support structurehouse, carry, or are otherwise coupled to the various components of theelectronic device. The support structure and/or the housing member mayprovide support to the electronic device. For example, in an operatingconfiguration of the electronic device, the electronic device may bepositioned on a support surface, such as a table, desk, or othersurface. The support structure may contact the support surface to atleast partially support the housing member and/or the electronic devicein a position or configuration that facilitates use of the device. Forexample, the support structure may be configured to support the housingmember in a position that allows the display and keyboard to be easilyaccessed by a user. The support structure may cooperate with one or moreadditional components or portions of the electronic device to supportthe device in this manner. For example, a portion of the housing membermay also contact the support surface to support the device in a desiredposition.

As noted above, a housing member may be formed from a continuous and/orseamless member (e.g., a sheet) of a material, such as glass, plastic,or ceramic (e.g., it may be a single glass member). The housing membermay be formed from an optically transmissive material to allow images orlight to be visible therethrough. As used herein, “opticallytransmissive” or “light-transmissive” may be used to refer to somethingthat is transparent or translucent, or otherwise allows light or otherelectromagnetic radiation to propagate therethrough. In some cases,transparent materials or components may introduce some diffusion,lensing effects, distortions, or the like (e.g., due to surfacetextures) while still allowing objects or images to be seen through thematerials or components, and such deviations are understood to be withinthe scope of the meaning of transparent. Also, materials that aretransparent may be coated, painted, or otherwise treated to produce anon-transparent (e.g., opaque) component; in such cases the material maystill be referred to as transparent, even though the material may bepart of an opaque component. Translucent components may be formed byproducing a textured or frosted surface on an otherwise transparentmaterial (e.g., clear glass). Translucent materials may also be used,such as translucent polymers, translucent ceramics, or the like.

The housing member may have properties that enable the diverse input andoutput functions described herein. For example, the housing member(e.g., the optically transmissive member) may be strong and may have ahigh resistance to scratching, and may provide a surface finish having asuperior appearance and/or tactile feel as compared with other materialsor components. The housing member may also be a dielectric and/orsubstantially nonconductive, allowing touch and force inputs to bedetected through the sheet, and allowing electromagnetic waves and/orfields (e.g., radio frequency signals, inductive power, inductivesignals, and other wireless communications or electromagnetic energytransfer) to pass through without substantial attenuation. The housingmember may be continuous or seamless, which may help prevent the ingressof liquid or other foreign debris.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1A-15. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures isfor explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example electronic device 100 that includes ahousing member 150. In some embodiments, the housing member 150 forms atleast part of a structure, such as a housing or chassis, of theelectronic device 100, which houses, contains, carries, or is otherwisecoupled to various components of the electronic device 100. As discussedabove, the housing member 150 defines a continuous front exteriorsurface 151 of the electronic device 100 that includes one or moreinterface areas for providing outputs, receiving inputs, or somecombination thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the housingmember 150 includes an upper portion 152 that defines a planar region ofthe front exterior surface 151, a lower portion 154 that defines aplanar region of the front exterior surface 151, and a transitionportion 156 that defines a curved region of the front exterior surface151 and extends between the upper portion 152 and the lower portion 154.For example, the transition portion 156 may be curved about a horizontalaxis as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the curvature of thetransition portion 156 is concave about a horizontal axis with respectto the front exterior surface 151, as shown in FIG. 1A. The upperportion 152, the lower portion 154, and the transition portion 156cooperate to form the continuous front exterior surface 151 of theelectronic device.

In some embodiments, the housing member 150 and/or one or more devicecomponents define one or more interface areas. For example, as shown inFIG. 1A, the upper portion 152 may define a display area 153 and thelower portion 154 may define an input area 155. A display 163 may becoupled to and/or integrated with the display area 153 and may definethe display area 153 on the front exterior surface 151 of the electronicdevice 100. An input device 165 may be coupled to and/or integrated withthe input area 155, as discussed in more detail below. The display area153 may primarily provide display functionality and the input area 155may primarily provide input functionality, but both areas 153, 155 mayinclude input and output functionality. For example, either or bothareas 153, 155 may be a touchscreen-style display. In variousembodiments, the display area 153 may be planar or curved. In someembodiments, the display area 153 includes a planar region and a curvedregion. Similarly, the input area 155 may be planar or curved. In someembodiments, the input area 155 includes a planar region and a curvedregion.

In various embodiments, the portions of the housing member 150 may becoupled to or otherwise integrated with one another. As used herein,“integrated with” refers to forming a unitary member. In someembodiments, the portions of the housing member 150 may be formed from asingle component. For example, the housing member 150 may be formed froma single member (e.g., a glass member, a glass sheet, or the like) thatincludes various curved and/or planar portions.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of the electronic device100. The electronic device defines a rear surface 161 (e.g., a rearsurface) opposite the front exterior surface 151 and includes a supportstructure 170. In various embodiments, the portions of the housingmember 150 may cooperate to form a continuous rear surface 161. Forexample, the upper portion 152, the lower portion 154, and thetransition portion 156 may define a continuous rear surface between theupper portion and the lower portion in addition to the continuousexterior front surface 151. In some embodiments, the electronic device100 further defines one or more side surfaces 110 between the frontexterior surface 151 and the rear surface 161. In some embodiments, theside surface(s) 110 may be shaped such that they form a continuoussurface with the front exterior surface 151 and/or the rear surface 161.For example, the side surface(s) 110 may be rounded such that acontinuous contour exists between the front exterior surface 151 and therear surface 161.

In some cases, the support structure 170 supports the electronic device100. For example, in an operating configuration of the electronic device100, the electronic device may be positioned on a support surface, suchas a table, desk, or other surface. The support structure 170 maycontact the support surface to at least partially support the electronicdevice 100. The support structure 170 may cooperate with one or moreadditional components of the electronic device 100 to provide support(e.g., to maintain the electronic device 100 in an upright position).For example in some cases, the support structure 170 cooperates with thehousing member 150 to provide support. In various embodiments, thesupport structure 170, the housing member 150, or both may contact asupport surface to support the electronic device 100.

Various components of the electronic device 100 may be coupled to and/orpositioned within the housing member 150 and/or the support structure170. For example, a processing unit of the electronic device 100 may behoused or positioned within the support structure 170. Additionalcomponents of the electronic device 100 are discussed in more detailbelow with respect to FIG. 15.

Information and/or data may be transferred between the support structure170 and the housing member 150 and associated components. For example,display data, such as data or signals that cause the display 163 todisplay images, user interfaces, application data, or the like, may besent to the housing member 150 (and, more particularly, to the displaythat is coupled to the housing member 150) from the support structure170. Similarly, input data may be sent from the housing member 150(e.g., from a keyboard or other input device coupled to or defined bythe housing member 150) to the support structure 170. Input data mayinclude data relating to touch inputs applied to a touchscreen coupledto the housing member 150, sensor data (e.g., from sensors coupled tothe housing member 150, such as light sensors, accelerometers, etc.),camera data (e.g., from a camera in the housing member 150), or thelike. The electronic device 100 may include any appropriatecommunication system for transferring data between the componentscoupled to the housing member 150 and the support structure 170, such aswired or wireless communications systems. Wireless communicationssystems may include a first transmitter/receiver coupled to the housingmember 150, and a second transmitter/receiver in the support structure170 that communicates with the first transmitter/receiver. The first andsecond transmitter/receiver may communicate in any suitable way and useany suitable wireless frequency or frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 60 GHz),communication protocol(s), etc. The first and secondtransmitter/receiver may also communicate via an optical communicationlink.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device 100 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B. The housing member 150 may be formed from any suitablematerial, such as plastic, ceramic, glass, composites, or combinationsthereof. For example, the housing member 150 may be a single piece ofglass that has been molded (e.g., slumped) to form the various portionsof the housing member 150. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG.1A, the upper portion 152, the lower portion 154, and the transitionportion 156 are formed from a single glass member. As discussed above,the portions of the housing member 150 may cooperate to form a singlecontinuous housing member with a shared front exterior surface 151.

In some embodiments, the housing member 150 is rigid such that theportions do not move relative to one another and/or are not capable ofdoing so under normal operating or use conditions. In some embodiments,the housing member 150 is flexible such that the portions are movablerelative to one another and the angles therebetween may be changed. Insome embodiments, one or more portions of the housing member 150 areflexible. For example, the transition portion 156 may be flexible toallow an angle between the lower portion 154 and the upper portion 152to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the housing member 150 is at leastpartially formed from a flexible glass material. For example, thetransition portion 156 may be formed from flexible glass, and maycooperate with the upper portion 152 and the lower portion 154 to form acontinuous front exterior surface 151 of the housing member 150.

The housing member 150 includes planar upper and lower portions 152, 154and a curved transition portion 156. This is one example of a shape ofthe housing member 150, but other shapes and curvatures are envisioned.For example, the housing member 150 may include multiple curvedportions. In some embodiments, the housing member 150 includes one ormore compound curves. For example, an upper portion may be curved (e.g.,concave) about a vertical axis, a transition portion may be curved(e.g., concave) about a horizontal axis, and a lower portion may becurved or planar. In various embodiments, different portions of thehousing member 150 may include planar regions and curved regions.

As discussed above, the electronic device 100 may include one or moredisplays. For example, a display area of the housing member 150 (e.g.,display area 153) may be integrated with a display 163 for conveyingvisual information to a user, such as by displaying graphical userinterfaces. The display 163 may include various display components, suchas liquid crystal display (LCD) components, light source(s) (e.g., lightemitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs)), filter layers,polarizers, light diffusers, covers (e.g., glass or plastic coversheets), and the like.

In various embodiments, the display 163 may provide visual outputs at adisplay area (e.g., the display area 153). The display 163 may bepositioned in any suitable arrangement so that an output of the display163 is visible at the front exterior surface 151 of the electronicdevice 100 (e.g., within the display area 153). The display componentsmay be positioned at various locations relative to the surface. Forexample, one or more display components may be positioned within thehousing member 150, coupled to a surface of the housing member 150,between layers of the housing member 150, or some combination thereof.Positioning of display components with respect to the housing member 150is discussed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 6-10.

The electronic device 100 may include one or more input devices. Forexample, an input area of the housing member 150 (e.g., input area 155)may be integrated with one or more input devices (e.g., input device165) for receiving touch inputs, force inputs, keyboard inputs, and thelike. Touch inputs may include clicks, taps, gestures (e.g., swiping,pinching), multi-touch inputs, or the like. These inputs may be similarto or include inputs conventionally detected by a trackpad. For example,these inputs may include gesture inputs that may be used to control acursor or element of a graphical user interface on a display of theelectronic device 100. The electronic device 100 may use any suitableinput device(s), such as buttons, keyboards, capacitive touch sensors,resistive touch sensors, acoustic wave sensors, cameras, opticalsensors, or the like, to detect inputs. The input devices mayadditionally include a combination of multiple sensors (e.g., capacitivetouch sensors, resistive touch sensors, acoustic wave sensors), forexample arranged in an array (e.g., a touch array). Keyboard inputs mayinclude touch inputs received at mechanical keys (e.g., keys of amechanical keyboard) and/or a keyless surface of a virtual keyboardprovided in the input area 155. A force input and/or a force componentof an input may be detected using any suitable force sensors provided atthe electronic device 100.

In various embodiments, input devices may detect inputs provided ininput areas. Input devices may be positioned in any suitablearrangements by which inputs may be provided at the electronic device100 (e.g., within the input area 155). The input devices that detectinputs may be positioned at various locations relative to the surface ofthe electronic device 100. For example, one or more input devices may bepositioned within the housing member 150, coupled to a surface of thehousing member 150, or some combination thereof. In some cases, theentire exterior surface of the housing member 150 (or substantially allof the exterior surface) may be touch and/or force sensitive, and maydetect touch inputs substantially anywhere along its surface, includingin a keyboard region as well as surrounding regions. Positioning ofinput devices with respect to the housing member 150 is discussed inmore detail below with respect to FIGS. 6-10.

In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include one or morecameras such as a camera 180. The camera 180 may be coupled to thehousing member 150. In some embodiments, the camera 180 may bepositioned at least partially in an opening in the housing member, suchas opening 181 in the upper portion 152 of the housing member 150. Insome embodiments, the camera 180 may be positioned between layers of thehousing member 150. In some embodiments, the camera 180 may be affixedor otherwise coupled to a surface of the housing member 150, such as thefront exterior surface 151 or the rear surface 161 of the housing member150. In various embodiments, the camera may receive inputs (e.g.,capture images). In some embodiments, inputs may be received through oneor more components of the electronic device, including the housingmember 150, one or more function layers, or the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example electronic device 300. The electronicdevice 300 may include the same or similar components and functionalityas other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic device100). The electronic device 300 includes a housing member 350 thatincludes an upper portion 352, a lower portion 354, and a transitionportion 356. The transition portion 356 joins the upper portion 352 andthe lower portion 354, and forms a continuous, curved surface betweenthe upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion defines adisplay area 353. A display 363 is coupled to and/or integrated with theupper portion 352 and is configured to provide visual outputs at thedisplay area. The lower portion defines three input areas 355 a, 355 b,and 355 c. One or more input devices may be coupled to and/or integratedwith the lower portion 354 and configured detect inputs at the threeinput areas 355 a-c. For example, a touch array 375 a is configured todetect inputs in the input area 355 a, a keyboard 376 is configured todetect inputs in the input area 355 b, and a touch array 375 c isconfigured to detect inputs in the input area 355 c. The combination ofinput devices provided at the electronic device 100 allows users toprovide multiple types of input. For example, a user may type using thekeyboard 376 and provide touch inputs, such as gesture-based inputsusing the touch arrays 375 a, b.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example electronic device 400. The electronicdevice 400 may include the same or similar components and functionalityas other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices100, 300). The electronic device 400 includes a housing member 450 thatincludes an upper portion 452, a lower portion 454, and a transitionportion 456. The transition portion 456 joins the upper portion 452 andthe lower portion 454, and forms a continuous, curved surface betweenthe upper portion and the lower portion.

In some embodiments, the upper portion, 452, the transition portion 456,and/or the lower portion 454 define an interface area 460. The interfacearea 460 may include a display area 453 and an input area 455. In someembodiments, the display area 453 may be defined in a first region ofthe front exterior surface 451 and the input area 455 may be defined ina second region of the front exterior surface 451. In variousembodiments, the display area 453 and the input area 455 may be definedin several overlapping or non-overlapping configurations. As shown inFIG. 4A, the display area 453 and the input area 455 may be definedwithin overlapping regions of the interface area 460. In variousembodiments, the display area 453 and the input area 455 may overlap toform a touchscreen-style display across some or all of the interfacearea 460. For example, the input area 455 may be positioned along a partof the lower portion 454 to define a touchscreen-style display for useas a keyboard and/or trackpad. In such cases, the input area 455 may notextend over the upper portion 452 or the transition portion 456. Invarious embodiments, the input area 455 extends beyond the display area.For example, the input area 455 may include portions of the frontexterior surface 451 of the housing member 450 between the display area453 and one or more edges of the housing member 450 (e.g., the bezel orframe region of the device 400).

In some embodiments, the interface area 460 may encompass all,substantially all, or a large portion of the front exterior surface 451of the electronic device 400. In some embodiments, the interface area460 extends to one or more edges of the front exterior surface 451 suchthat the interface area 460 encompasses all of the front exteriorsurface 451. In some embodiments, the interface area 460 is surroundedby a frame or bezel region, and the interface area 460 and the frame orbezel region together encompass all of the front exterior surface 451.The interface area 460 may be curved to conform to the shape of thehousing member 450.

The electronic device 400 may include one or more displays or displaycomponents configured to provide visual output at the display area 453.For example, a display 463 configured to provide visual output at thedisplay area 453 may be coupled to and/or integrated with the upperportion, 452, the transition portion 456, and/or the lower portion 454.In some embodiments, the display 463 may be curved and/or flexible toconform to the shape of the housing member 450. For example, a curvatureof the display 463 may correspond to a curvature of the housing member150. The electronic device 400 may further include one or more inputcomponents for receiving inputs at the input area 455. In variousembodiments, the input components include touch and/or force sensors. Asdiscussed above, the display components and input components may becombined to form a touchscreen-style display across some or all of theinterface area 460. In some embodiments, the input area 455 may includeother types of input devices, such as mechanical input devices. Forexample, in some embodiments, the input area 455 includes a mechanicalkeyboard.

In some cases, the housing member 450, and in particular the portion ofthe input area 455 in the lower portion 454, may be shaped to definephysically distinctive key regions. FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment ofthe example electronic device 400 in which the housing member 450 isshaped to define physically distinctive key regions 459. In variousembodiments, the housing member 450 may include recesses, protrusions,borders, or other physical features on its exterior surface that defineand/or delineate distinct key regions 459 and that can be felt by a userwhen typing on or otherwise touching the input area 455. For example, aglass housing member may be thermoformed, slumped, heat-pressed orotherwise processed to form an array of raised key regions (e.g.,protrusions, contoured key regions, etc.) that define the key regions ofa keyboard. Raised key regions may provide a more familiar-feelingkeyboard surface to users, as the individual key regions may have asimilar shape and feel to conventional movable keys. Moreover, a usermay be able to type faster and with fewer errors because they can feelthe borders and boundaries of each key region and do not need to look atthe keyboard to align their fingers with the keys. The ability to feeldistinct key regions may also help prevent a user's hands fromunintentionally drifting out of position during typing.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing member 450 whereone or more key regions is located is flexible. For example, the glassmay be thinner than about 100 μm, thinner than about 40 μm, or thinnerthan about 30 μm. The housing member 450 may be configured to locallydeflect or deform any suitable amount in response to a typing force. Forexample, the housing member 450 may be configured to locally deflectabout 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, orany other suitable amount, in response to a sample typing force (e.g.,100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, etc.). Further, due to the flexibility of thehousing member 450, the raised key regions may be configured to deformin response to typing inputs. Such deformations may provide a similartactile feeling to conventional movable-key keyboards. Further, theraised key regions may be configured to provide various types of tactileresponses.

In some embodiments, the input area 455 may lack raised or otherwiseprotruding key regions (e.g., it may be smooth and/or substantiallyplanar). In such cases, key regions may be differentiated using ink,paint, dyes, textures, displays, or any other suitable technique.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example electronic device 500. The electronicdevice 500 may include the same or similar components and functionalityas other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices100, 300, 400). The electronic device 500 includes a housing member 550that includes an upper portion 552, a lower portion 554, and atransition portion 556. The transition portion 556 joins the upperportion 552 and the lower portion 554, and cooperates with the upperportion 552 and the lower portion 554 to form a continuous rear surface561. In some embodiments, the electronic device 500 includes a display563 coupled to and/or integrated with the housing member 550 andconfigured to provide visual outputs at an interface area 555 defined onthe rear surface 561. The display 563 may be an additional display inaddition to a display configured to provide visual outputs at a displayarea on the front of the device (e.g., display 163). In some cases, thedisplay 563 shares one or more components with another display of theelectronic device 500, such as a display configured to provide visualoutputs at a display area defined on a front exterior surface of theelectronic device. For example, the display 563 may share a lightsource, light guide panels or sheets, filters, and the like with one ormore additional displays.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the electronicdevice 500 includes one or more input components coupled to and/orintegrated with the housing member 550 and configured to receive inputsat the interface area 555. In some embodiments, the electronic device500 includes input components and display components that cooperate toform a touchscreen-style display on the rear surface 561.

As discussed above, input and display functionality may be provided atand/or through a surface of the housing member (e.g., surfaces 151,161), but display and input components may be positioned at variouspositions relative to the surfaces. FIGS. 6-10 illustrate examples ofthe arrangement and positioning of display and input components.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device 600. The views of FIGS. 6A-6C are similar to viewsindicated by section line A-A of FIG. 1A. The electronic device 600 mayinclude the same or similar components and functionality as otherelectronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300,400, 500). FIG. 6A illustrates an example structure of the electronicdevice 600 in which layers 650 a and 650 b of a housing member (e.g.,which may correspond to the housing member 150) are positioned onopposite sides of a display 690. The housing member defines a frontexterior surface 651 and a rear surface 661, which may correspond tofront exterior surface 151 and rear surface 161, respectively. Theelectronic device 600 includes a display 690 between the housing memberlayers 650 a and 650 b. The display 690 may include any combination ofdisplay components, such as those discussed herein.

In various embodiments, the display 690 may provide displayfunctionality through the housing member layer 650 a, the housing memberlayer 650 b and/or additional layers or components of the electronicdevice 600. For example, the display 690 may provide a graphical outputthat is visible through the housing member layer 650 a and/or thehousing member layer 650 b. The display 690 is shown as a single layerfor purposes of illustration, but it may include multiple layers and/orcomponents. The housing member layers 650 a and 650 b and the display690 may be attached or otherwise coupled to one another by any propermeans, including adhesives, fasteners, pressure fitting, fusion, or thelike. In some embodiments, the electronic device 600 may includeadditional components to attach and/or support the display 690 and/orthe housing member layers 650 a and 650 b. For example, the electronicdevice 600 may include spacers, compliant members, and the like.Similarly, the electronic device 600 may include one or more gapsbetween layers (e.g., between the display 690 and the housing memberlayers 650 a and 650 b).

FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 600 that includes a side surface 610. FIG. 6Billustrates an example structure of the electronic device 600 in whichthe display 690 extends to the side surface 610. In some embodiments,the display 690 may define a portion of the side surface 610. In variousembodiments, the arrangement shown in FIG. 6B may allow the display areadefined by the display to extend either all the way or substantially allthe way to one or more edges of the housing member, which may provide animproved user experience by obviating the need for a bezel or otherborder around the display 690.

FIG. 6C illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 600 that includes a side surface 610. FIG. 6Cillustrates an example structure of the electronic device 600 in whichthe display 690 does not extend to or define a portion of the sidesurface 610. In some embodiments, the housing member layers 650 a and650 b cooperate to at least partially surround the display 690 anddefine the side surface 610. In some embodiments, a separate component(e.g., a housing member component) may define the side surface 610. Insome embodiments, the housing member layers 650 a and 650 b are joinedor fused to form a single part that at least partially surrounds thedisplay 690 and defines the side surface 610.

The display 690 is one example device that may be arranged relative tothe housing member layer 650 a and 650 b as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. Otherdevices, layers and/or components may be included instead or in additionto the display 690. For example, the electronic device 600 may includeone or more input devices arranged similarly to the display 690 thatreceives inputs through the housing member layer 650 a and/or thehousing member layer 650 b. Similarly, the electronic device 600 mayinclude biometric sensors, output devices, charging components, datatransfer components, and the like that are arranged similarly to thedisplay 690.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device 700. The views of FIGS. 7A-7C are similar to viewsindicated by section line A-A of FIG. 1A. The electronic device 700 mayinclude the same or similar components and functionality as otherelectronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300,400, 500, 600). FIG. 7A illustrates an example structure of theelectronic device 700 in which a display 790 is positioned adjacent to ahousing member 750. The electronic device 700 defines a front exteriorsurface 751 and a rear surface 761, which may correspond to frontexterior surface 151 and rear surface 161, respectively. The display 790may define at least a portion of the front exterior surface 751. Thehousing member 750 may define at least a portion of the rear surface761. The housing member 750 and the display 790 may be attached orotherwise coupled to one another by any proper means, includingadhesives, fasteners, pressure fitting, fusion, or the like.

FIG. 7B illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 700 that includes a side surface 710. FIG. 7Billustrates an example structure of the electronic device 700 in whichthe display 790 extends to the side surface 710. In some embodiments,the display 790 may define a portion of the side surface 710. In variousembodiments, the arrangement shown in FIG. 7B may allow the display areadefined by the display 790 to extend either all the way or substantiallyall the way to one or more edges of the housing member, which mayprovide an improved user experience by obviating the need for a bezel orother border around the display 790.

FIG. 7C illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 700 that includes a side surface 710. FIG. 7Cillustrates an example structure of the electronic device 700 in whichthe display 790 does not extend to the side surface 710. In someembodiments, the housing member 750 at least partially surrounds thedisplay 790 and defines the side surface 710. In some embodiments, aflange 792 at least partially surrounds the display 890 and defines theside surface 810. For example, the display 790 may be partially orcompletely inset in the housing member 750. In some embodiments, aseparate component (e.g., a housing member component) may define theside surface 710. For example, the flange 792 may be a separate piecefrom other pieces of the housing member 750 (e.g., a polymer, glass, orother material member that is adhered or otherwise secured to thehousing member 750).

As described above, in various embodiments, the display 790 defines atleast a portion of the front exterior surface 751. In some embodiments,the display 790 may include a cover sheet or other cover layer thatdefines the front exterior surface 751 and/or the side surface 710. Insome embodiments, the portion of the front exterior surface defined bythe display 790 (e.g., a display area) is flush with one or moreportions of the exterior surface defined by the housing member 750and/or other components, as illustrated in FIG. 7C. In some embodiments,the portion of the front exterior surface defined by the display 790 maynot be flush with one or more portions of the exterior surface definedby the housing member 750 and/or other components. For example, thedisplay 790 may protrude or be recessed with respect to additionalportions of the exterior surface, such as a flange 792.

The display 790 is one example device that may be arranged relative tothe housing member 750 as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. Other devices, layersand/or components may be included instead or in addition to the display790. For example, the electronic device 700 may include one or moreinput devices arranged similarly to the display 790 that receivesinputs. Similarly, the electronic device 700 may include biometricsensors, output devices, charging components, data transfer components,and the like that are arranged similarly to the display 790.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device 800. The views of FIGS. 8A-8C are similar to viewsindicated by section line A-A of FIG. 1A. The electronic device 800 mayinclude the same or similar components and functionality as otherelectronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300,400, 500, 600, 700). FIG. 8A illustrates an example structure of theelectronic device 800 in which a display 890 is positioned adjacent to ahousing member 850. The electronic device 800 defines a front exteriorsurface 851 and a rear surface 861, which may correspond to frontexterior surface 151 and rear surface 161, respectively. The display 890may define at least a portion of the rear surface 861. The housingmember 850 may define at least a portion of the front exterior surface851. The housing member 850 and the display 890 may be attached orotherwise coupled to one another by any proper means, includingadhesives, fasteners, pressure fitting, fusion, or the like.

FIG. 8B illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 800 that includes a side surface 810. FIG. 8Billustrates an example structure of the electronic device 800 in whichthe display 890 extends to the side surface 810. In some embodiments,the display 890 may define a portion of the side surface 810. In variousembodiments, the arrangement shown in FIG. 8B may allow the display areadefined by the display 890 to extend either all the way or substantiallyall the way to one or more edges of the housing member, which mayprovide an improved user experience by obviating the need for a bezel orother border around the display 890.

FIG. 8C illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 800 that includes the side surface 810. FIG. 8Cillustrates an example structure of the electronic device 800 in whichthe display 890 does not extend to the side surface 810. In someembodiments, the housing member 850 at least partially surrounds thedisplay 890 and defines the side surface 810. In some embodiments, aflange 892 at least partially surrounds the display 890 and defines theside surface 810. For example, the display 890 may be partially orcompletely inset in the housing member 850. In some embodiments, aseparate component (e.g., a housing member component) may define theside surface 810. For example, the flange 892 may be a separate piecefrom other pieces of the housing member 850 (e.g., a polymer, glass, orother material member that is adhered or otherwise secured to thehousing member 850).

As described above, in various embodiments, the display 890 defines atleast a portion of the rear surface 861. In some embodiments, thedisplay 890 may include a cover sheet or other cover layer that definesthe rear surface 861 and/or the side surface 810. In some embodiments,the portion of the rear surface defined by the display 890 (e.g., adisplay area) is flush with one or more portions of the exterior surfacedefined by the housing member 850 and/or other components, asillustrated in FIG. 8C. In some embodiments, the portion of the rearsurface defined by the display 890 may not be flush with one or moreportions of the exterior surface defined by the housing member 850and/or other components. For example, the display 890 may protrude or berecessed with respect to additional portions of the exterior surface,such as the flange 892.

The display 890 is one example device that may be arranged relative tothe housing member 850 as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. Other devices, layersand/or components may be included instead or in addition to the display890. For example, the electronic device 800 may include one or moreinput devices arranged similarly to the display 890 that receives inputsthrough the housing member 850. Similarly, the electronic device 800 mayinclude biometric sensors, output devices, charging components, datatransfer components, and the like that are arranged similarly to thedisplay 890.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device 900. The views of FIGS. 9A-9D are similar to viewsindicated by section line A-A of FIG. 1A. The electronic device 900 mayinclude the same or similar components and functionality as otherelectronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800). FIG. 9A illustrates an example structure ofthe electronic device 900 in which a display 990 a and an input device990 b are positioned adjacent to a housing member 950. The electronicdevice 900 defines a first exterior surface 951 and a second exteriorsurface 961, both of which may correspond to a front exterior surfaceand/or a rear surface (e.g., front exterior surface 151 and rear surface161). The display 990 a may define at least a portion of the firstexterior surface 951. The input device 990 b may define at least aportion of the second exterior surface 961.

In various embodiments, functionality of the display 990 a and/or theinput device 990 b may be provided through the housing member 950 and/oradditional layers or components of the electronic device 900. Forexample, the display 990 a and the input device 990 b may cooperate toform a touchscreen-style display of the electronic device. The housingmember 950, the display 990 a, and/or the input device 990 b may beattached or otherwise coupled to one another by any proper means,including adhesives, fasteners, pressure fitting, fusion, or the like.The display 990 a and the input device 990 b are each shown as a singlelayer for purposes of illustration, but it may include multiple layersand/or components.

FIG. 9B illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 900 that includes a side surface 910. FIG. 9Billustrates an example structure of the electronic device 900 in whichthe display 990 a and the input device 900 b extend to the side surface910. In some embodiments, the display 990 a and the input device 900 bmay define a portion of the side surface 910. In various embodiments,the arrangement shown in FIG. 9B may allow the display and/or inputareas defined by the display and input device to extend either all theway or substantially all the way to one or more edges of the housingmember, which may provide an improved user experience by obviating theneed for a bezel or other border around the display and/or input device.

FIG. 9C illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 900 that includes the side surface 910. FIG. 9Cillustrates an example structure of the electronic device 900 in whichthe display 990 a and the input device 990 b do not extend to the sidesurface 910. In some embodiments, the housing member 950 at leastpartially surrounds the display 990 a and/or the input device 990 b anddefines the side surface 910. In some embodiments, flanges 992 a and 992b at least partially surround the display 990 a and/or the input device990 b and defines the side surface 910. For example, the display 990 aand/or the input device 990 b may be partially or completely inset inthe housing member 950. In some embodiments, a separate component (e.g.,a housing member component) may define the side surface 910. Forexample, the flanges 992 a and 992 b may be separate pieces from otherpieces of the housing member 950 (e.g., a polymer, glass, or othermaterial member that is adhered or otherwise secured to the housingmember 950).

FIG. 9D illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 900 that includes the side surface 910. FIG. 9Dillustrates an example structure of the electronic device 900 in whichthe display 990 a does not extend to the side surface 910 and the inputdevice 990 b does extend to the side surface 910. In some embodiments,the housing member 950 at least partially surrounds the display 990 aand the input device 990 b and defines the side surface 910. In someembodiments, a flange 992 c at least partially surrounds the display 990a and/or the input device 990 b and defines the side surface 910. Forexample, the display 990 a and/or the input device 990 b may bepartially or completely inset in a recess or cavity defined (at leastpartially) by the housing member 950. In some embodiments, a separatecomponent (e.g., a housing member component) may define the side surface910. For example, the flange 992 c may be a separate piece from otherpieces of the housing member 950 (e.g., a polymer, glass, or othermaterial member that is adhered or otherwise secured to the housingmember 950).

As described above, in various embodiments, the display 990 a and/or theinput device 990 b define at least a portion of the exterior surfaces951, 961. In some embodiments, one or both of the display 990 a and theinput device 990 b may include a cover sheet or other cover layer thatdefines the exterior surface(s) 861, 961 and/or the side surface 910. Insome embodiments, the portion(s) of the exterior surface(s) 861, 961defined by the display 990 a and/or the input device 990 b are flushwith one or more portions of the exterior surface defined by the housingmember 950 and/or other components, as illustrated in FIGS. 9C and 9D.In some embodiments, the portion(s) of the exterior surface(s) definedby the display 990 a and/or the input device 990 b may not be flush withone or more portions of the exterior surface defined by the housingmember 950 and/or other components. For example, the display 990 aand/or the input device 990 b may protrude and/or be recessed withrespect to additional portions of the exterior surface, such as theflange 992 c.

The display 990 a and the input device 990 b are example devices thatmay be arranged relative to the housing member 950 as shown in FIGS.9A-9D. Other devices, layers and/or components may be included insteador in addition to the display 990 a and/or the input device 990 b. Forexample, the electronic device 900 may include biometric sensors, outputdevices, charging components, data transfer components, and the likethat are arranged similarly to the display 990 a and/or the input device990 b.

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate example partial cross-section views of anelectronic device 1000. The views of FIGS. 10A-10E are similar to viewsindicated by section line A-A of FIG. 1A. The electronic device 1000 mayinclude the same or similar components and functionality as otherelectronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900). FIG. 10A illustrates an example structureof the electronic device 1000 in which layers 1050 a and 1050 b of ahousing member (e.g., housing member 150) are positioned on oppositesides of a display 1090 a and an input device 1090 b. The electronicdevice 1000 defines a first exterior surface 1051 and a second exteriorsurface 1061, either of which may correspond to a front exterior surfaceand/or a rear surface (e.g., front exterior surface 151 and rear surface161). The housing member layer 1050 a may define at least a portion ofthe first exterior surface 1051. The housing member layer 1050 b maydefine at least a portion of the second exterior surface 1061. Theelectronic device 1000 a display 1090 a and an input device 1090 bbetween the housing member layers 1050 a and 1050 b.

In various embodiments, functionality of the display 1090 a and theinput device 1090 b may be provided through the housing member layer1050 a, the housing member layer 1050 b, and/or additional layers orcomponents of the electronic device 1000. For example, a graphicaloutput of the display 1090 a may be visible through the housing memberlayer 1050 a and/or the housing member layer 1050 b. As another example,the input device 1090 b may receive inputs through the housing memberlayer 1050 a and/or the housing member layer 1050 b. The display 1090 aand the input device 1090 b are each shown as a single layer forpurposes of illustration, but each may include multiple layers and/orcomponents. The housing member layers 1050A, B the display 1090 a, andthe input device 1090 b may be attached or otherwise coupled to oneanother by any proper means, including adhesives, fasteners, pressurefitting, fusion, or the like.

FIG. 10B illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 1000 that includes a side surface 1010. FIG. 10Billustrates an example structure of the electronic device 1000 in whichboth the display 1090 a and the input device 1090 b extend to the sidesurface 1010. In some embodiments, the display 1090 a and/or the inputdevice 1090 b may define a portion of the side surface 1010. In variousembodiments, the arrangement shown in FIG. 10B may allow the display andinput areas defined by the display and input device to extend either allthe way or substantially all the way to one or more edges of the housingmember, which may provide an improved user experience by obviating theneed for a bezel or other border around the display and/or the inputdevice.

FIG. 10C illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 1000 that includes a side surface 1010. FIG. 10Cillustrates an example structure of the electronic device 1000 in whichthe display 1090 a and the input device 1090 b do not extend to the sidesurface 1010. In some embodiments, the housing member layers 1050 a and1050 b cooperate to at least partially surround the display 1090 a andthe input device 1090 b and define the side surface 1010. In someembodiments, a flange 1092 at least partially surrounds the display 1090a and/or the input device 1090 b and defines the side surface 1010. Insome embodiments, a separate component (e.g., a housing membercomponent) may define the side surface 1010. For example, the flange1092 may be a separate piece from other pieces of the housing member1050 (e.g., a polymer, glass, or other material member that is adheredor otherwise secured to the housing member 1050). In some embodiments,the housing member layers 1050 a and 1050 b are joined or fused to forma single part (e.g., a flange 1092) that at least partially surroundsand/or encloses the display 1090 a and the input device 1090 b anddefines the side surface 1010.

FIG. 10D illustrates a partial cross-section view of a region of theelectronic device 1000 that includes the side surface 1010. FIG. 10Dillustrates an example structure of the electronic device 1000 in whichthe input device 1090 b partially overlaps with the display 1090 a. Invarious embodiments that include multiple devices (e.g., a display andan input device), the devices may completely or substantially overlap,partially overlap, or not overlap at all. For example, a display mayoccupy a smaller region than a touch region defined by an input device,a fingerprint sensor may occupy a smaller region than a touch regiondefined by an input device, and the like.

The display 1090 a and the input device 1090 b are example devices thatmay be arranged relative to the housing member layers 1050 a, b as shownin FIGS. 10A-10D. Other devices, layers and/or components may beincluded instead or in addition to the display 1090 a and/or the inputdevice 1090 b. For example, the electronic device 1000 may includebiometric sensors, output devices, charging components, data transfercomponents, and the like that are arranged similarly to the display 1090a and/or the input device 1090 b.

In various embodiments, multiple functional components of an electronicdevice (e.g., housing member layers, circuit boards, input devices,display components, keyboard or keypad substrates, and the like) may belayered in such a way that the peripheral sides of these componentscooperate to define the side surfaces of the housing member of theelectronic device. For example, FIG. 10E illustrates a partialcross-section view of a region of the electronic device 1000 that hasthree layers between the housing member layers 1050 a and 1050 b. Theelectronic device 1000 includes layers 1090 c, 1090 d, and 1090 e thatmay be any combination of housing member layers, circuit boards, inputdevices, display components, keyboard or keypad substrates, and thelike. In one embodiment, the layers 1090 c, 1090 d, and/or 1090 e mayinclude one or more haptic devices configured to provide a haptic outputat a surface of the electronic device. For example, the electronicdevice may include a haptic actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator,attached to or otherwise coupled to the a housing member layer 1050. Thehaptic actuator may cause a localized deflection in one or more housingmember layers that corresponds to a haptic output provided at thesurface of the device.

The multi-layered construction technique may have several advantages.For example, the laminate structure may be strong and stiff, therebyproducing a robust and durable electronic device. Further, as thefunctional components also form the physical structure of the housingmember, additional shells, covers, frames, or other conventional housingcomponents may be omitted. Also, complex geometries can be formedwithout machining or other material removal operations by effectivelybuilding the geometries one layer at a time. Finally, the layered orlaminate-style construction may result in a side surface in which eachindividual layer is visually distinct, producing visually appealingappearance to the device. In FIGS. 10A-10E, the electronic device 1000is shown as having two and three layers between the housing memberlayers 1050 a and 1050 b, which are examples and not meant to belimiting. In various embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may haveany suitable number of layers.

The examples of FIGS. 6-10 are similar to views indicated by sectionline A-A of FIG. 1A for purposes of illustration, but are generallyapplicable to any suitable portions of the electronic devices describedherein, including, for example, suitable locations within the lowerportion(s), transition portion(s) and upper portion(s) of the electronicdevices described herein. For example, the display and input device maybe used to form a touchscreen-style keyboard in a lower portion of anelectronic device. As another example, an input device and a chargingdevice may be used to define a combined input and charging area on alower portion of an electronic device. Additionally, the examples ofarrangements shown and described with respect FIGS. 6-10 may be combinedwith other examples shown in FIGS. 6-10 and their equivalents. Further,the arrangements described with respect to FIGS. 6-10 are applicable toelectronic devices that include any suitable number of housing memberlayers and/or device components.

While the partial cross-sections shown in FIGS. 6-10 are viewed at oneparticular location on a housing member, these cross-sections may berepresentative of substantially an entire peripheral region of thedevice. For example, because the components forming the side surface ofthe device are layers that may extend to the perimeter of the device(e.g., they extend edge-to-edge), the same cross-section may exist atall (or most) locations around the periphery of the device. In somecases, the side surface may have openings formed therein, such as forspeakers, microphones, charging ports, electrical/communicationconnectors (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) ports), heat sinks, coolingfans, disk drives, or other devices. In such cases, the cross-sectionsin those areas may differ from those shown herein, and the seams betweenlayers may be broken or discontinuous at the openings. Apart from thesediscontinuities, the layered appearance and construction (e.g., thesame, the side surfaces of each layer, etc.) may extend aroundsubstantially the entire periphery of the device. In some cases, theseams and/or sides of the layers extend around more than 80%, more than90%, or more than 95% of the periphery of the device.

Where a device includes openings in a side surface, the openings may beintegrally formed with one or more layers of the housing member. Forexample, a layer may include an opening or gap along a segment of thelayer that otherwise forms a portion of the side of the housing member.The opening may be aligned with a component (e.g., a charging port,speaker, etc.) to facilitate the function of the component. In somecases, the opening may define a serpentine pattern through the layer.For example, a speaker or microphone opening (or pressure reliefopening) may not be defined by a single linear opening extendingperpendicularly through the layer. Rather, the opening may be defined bya first aperture opening to the exterior of the housing member, a secondaperture offset from the first aperture and opening to the interiorcavity of the housing member, and a channel through the material of thelayer and connecting the first and second apertures along a path that isnot perpendicular to the exterior surface. In this way, a path from theoutside of the device to the inside of the device may be formed withoutvisually or otherwise directly exposing an internal component through anopening in the housing.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example electronic device 1100. The electronicdevice 1100 may include the same or similar components and functionalityas other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000). The electronic device1100 includes a glass housing member 1150 similar to those describedherein (e.g., housing member 150). In some embodiments, the glasshousing member 1150 is formed from a glass sheet. The glass housingmember 1150 may be formed by molding all or a portion of a glass sheet,for example using a slumping process. The glass housing member 1150includes an upper portion 1152, a lower portion 1154, and a transitionportion 1156. The upper portion 1152, the lower portion 1154, and thetransition portion 1156 cooperate to form a single continuous housingmember that defines a shared front exterior surface 1151 of the glasshousing member 1150. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the upperportion 1152 and the lower portion 1154 may be substantially planar(e.g., defining a planar surface). The transition portion 1156 may jointhe upper portion 1152 and the lower portion 1154 and may define acontinuous, curved region of the exterior surface between the upperportion and the lower portion.

In some embodiments, the glass housing member 1150 defines a displayarea 1153 and a corresponding display 1163. In some embodiments, one ormore additional areas (e.g., an input area) may partially or completelyoverlap with the display area 1153.

In some embodiments, the glass housing member 1150, and in particular,the lower portion 1154, defines an input area 1155 a and an additionalarea 1155 b. As shown in FIG. 11A, the input area 1155 a and theadditional area 1155 b may partially or completely overlap. As describedabove, in various embodiments, the additional area may provide variousfunctionality, including receiving inputs, device charging, datatransfer, biometric sensing, providing outputs, and/or other devicefunctionality.

In some embodiments, the area 1155 b includes a device charging areaconfigured to charge one or more devices. The electronic device 1100 mayinclude components for providing charging functionality, including awireless charger, inductive coils, and/or other wireless or wiredcharging hardware, which may be integrated with or otherwise coupled tothe device charging area. The components for providing chargingfunctionality may be integrated with and/or coupled to the housingmember 1150 in the same or similar manner as the displays and inputdevices discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6-10. The component(s) inthe device charging area may use wireless charging (e.g., inductivecharging) to charge one or more devices wirelessly. For example, theelectronic device 1100 may be configured to wirelessly charge a deviceplaced on or near the surface at least partially within the devicecharging area. A wireless charger may be configured to transfer power toan exterior device (e.g., a smartphone, a music player, or the like), orreceive power from an exterior source (e.g., a charger that is coupledto a power source, a portable battery, etc.).

In some embodiments, the area 1155 b includes a data transfer areaconfigured to facilitate data transfer between the electronic device1100 and one or more additional devices. The electronic device 1100 mayinclude components for providing data transfer functionality, which maybe integrated with or otherwise coupled to the data transfer area. Thecomponents for providing data transfer functionality may be integratedwith and/or coupled to the housing member 1150 in the same or similarmanner as the displays and input devices discussed above with respect toFIGS. 6-10. For example, the data transfer components may facilitateunidirectional and/or bidirectional wireless data transfer between anauxiliary device and the electronic device 1100 placed on or near thesurface at least partially within the data transfer area.

In some embodiments, the area 1155 b includes a biometric sensing areafor performing biometric sensing, such as capturing or detecting userbiometrics. The electronic device 1100 may include components, includingbiometric sensors, for performing biometric sensing. For example, abiometric sensor may be configured to detect biometric information aboutthe user at the biometric sensing area. For example, the biometricsensors may detect fingerprints, palm- or wrist-prints, detect a user'sheart rate, blood oxygenation levels, temperature, and the like. Suchinformation may be used for authentication purposes, to determine theuser's hand position relative to the device, and/or to record healthdata for the user to track. As noted, the biometric sensors may use anysuitable sensing techniques, such as optical sensors (e.g.,photoplethysmographs, cameras, etc.), capacitive sensors, or the like.The biometric sensors may also include facial-recognition sensors, whichmay include cameras, lenses, projectors (e.g., microdot projectors),infrared sensors, and the like, to provide facial recognitionfunctionality. The biometric sensors may also include fingerprintsensors. The fingerprint sensor may detect a user's fingerprint toauthenticate the user to the device. The fingerprint sensor may use anysuitable sensing technology, including optical, capacitive, inductive,ultrasonic and/or acoustic, or the like. The components for providingbiometric sensing functionality may be integrated with and/or coupled tothe housing member 1150 in the same or similar manner as the displaysand input devices discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6-10.

In various embodiments, an exterior surface of the electronic device mayhave different properties than other portions of the exterior surface,such as the housing member. For example, the exterior surface in an area(e.g., a display area, an input area, and the like) may possessdifferent optical, physical, material, tactile or other properties thatare consistent with the functionality provided at the function area. Forexample, the exterior surface in the input area 1155 a may includematerial properties consistent with providing inputs, including adifferent color, appearance, smoothness, friction coefficient, or thelike. As another example, the exterior surface in the display area 1153may include material properties consistent with providing visualoutputs, including increased transparency or the like. In someembodiments, an area may be associated with a graphic, border, or othervisual indicator of its location, allowing users to easily and quicklylocate the components.

In some embodiments, the electronic device 1100 includes an input device(e.g., a keyboard 1185). The keyboard 1185 or other input device(s) maybe configured to transition between a storage configuration in which thekeyboard is at least partially hidden, retracted, or the like, and a useconfiguration in which the keyboard is positioned for use by a user.FIG. 11A shows the keyboard 1185 in a storage configuration in which thekeyboard 1185 is positioned within an opening 1186 that is at leastpartially surrounded by the glass housing member 1150. FIG. 11B showsthe keyboard 1185 transitioning to a use configuration in which thekeyboard is positioned on or above the lower portion 1154 and isextended out of the opening 1186. The keyboard 1185 may be configured toslide out of the opening 1186 as part of the transition from the storageconfiguration to the use configuration, and slide into the opening 1186as part of the transition from the use configuration to the storageconfiguration.

In various embodiments, the keyboard 1185 may be attached or otherwisecoupled to the electronic device 1100 in the use configuration and/orthe storage configuration. For example, the keyboard 1185 may berotatably coupled to the electronic device 1100 such that the keyboard1185 may slide out of the opening 1186 and flip onto the lower portion1154 as part of the transition from the use configuration to the storageconfiguration and flip in front of the electronic device 1100 as shownin FIG. 11B. The keyboard 1185 may flip back down and slide into theopening 1186 as part of the transition from the use configuration to thestorage configuration.

The keyboard 1185 may be operably coupled to the electronic device 1100in a variety of ways, including a wired and/or wireless connection. Theelectronic device 1100 may be configured to receive inputs at thekeyboard 1185. In some embodiments, the keyboard 1185 interacts with aninput device of the electronic device 1100. In some embodiments, thekeyboard 1185 may transmit inputs to the electronic device 1100 throughan input device such as a touch input area. In some embodiments, thekeyboard 1185 presents a set of mechanical keys and/or key mechanismsthat contact or otherwise cause an input to be registered by a touchinput device in response to an actuation of a key of the keyboard (e.g.,when a user presses the key or the key is otherwise actuated). Theelectronic device 1100 may be configured to detect that the keyboard1185 is in a use configuration such that inputs received at the inputdevice are recognized as being provided through the keyboard 1185.

In some embodiments, the keyboard 1185 may be configured to detach fromthe electronic device 1100 such that it may be placed separately fromthe electronic device. For example, the keyboard 1185 may be releasablycoupled to the housing member 1150. In various embodiments, the keyboard1185 remains operably coupled to the electronic device 1100 when it isdetached.

In some embodiments, as discussed above, the electronic device 1100 mayinclude one or more cameras, such as camera 1180. FIG. 11C shows anenlarged view of area 1-1 of FIG. 11A, including the camera 1180 and acamera trace 1181. In various embodiments, the camera 1180 may beoperably connected to one or more components of the electronic device1100 by the camera trace 1181. The camera trace 1181 may carry signalsfrom the camera to additional components of the device. For example, thecamera trace 1181 may carry an image signal to a processing unit of theelectronic device 1100. The camera trace 1181 may additionally receivesignals from other components of the electronic device 1100. Forexample, the camera trace 1181 may carry signals from the processingunit of the electronic device to the camera 1180 to instruct the camerato capture image data. In some embodiments, the camera trace 1181provides power to the camera 1180, for example from a power source ofthe device 1100. In some embodiments, the camera trace operably couplesthe camera 1180 with one or more components of the electronic device1100, such as a display, an input device, or the like. In someembodiments, the camera 1180 receives power from one or more componentsof the electronic device 1100, such as the display 1163. In someembodiments, the camera 1180 communicates with a processing unit of theelectronic device 1100 through a component of the electronic device1100. For example, the camera 1180 may be coupled to the display 1163 bythe trace 1181, and the display 1163 may be operably coupled to theprocessing unit, by an electrical connector (e.g., an additional trace),thereby operably coupling the processing unit to the camera 1180.

In some embodiments, the camera trace 1181 may be positioned at leastpartially within the glass housing member 1150, such as between layersof the glass housing member 1150 and/or within a channel defined in theglass housing member 1150. In some embodiments, the camera trace 1181 isat least partially positioned outside the glass housing member 1150,such as along an exterior surface of the glass housing member 1150. Insome embodiments, the camera trace 1181 is positioned some combinationof within the glass housing member 1150 and outside the glass housingmember 1150. In various embodiments, the camera trace 1181 may betransparent, translucent, or opaque. For example, the camera trace 1181may include an ITO/Silver nanowire or similar in a transparentimplementation and a copper or other conductive metal wire or ribbon foropaque implementation. In some embodiments, some or all of the cameratrace 1181 may be obscured from view by one or more components of theelectronic device 1100. For example, all or a portion of the cameratrace 1181 may pass behind the display 1163 such that it is not visibleto a user of the device.

FIG. 11D illustrates a rear perspective view of the electronic device1100. As discussed above, the electronic device defines a rear surface1161 opposite the front exterior surface 1151 and includes a supportstructure 1170. In various embodiments, the portions of the glasshousing member 1150 may cooperate to form a single continuous housingmember with a shared rear surface 1161. In some embodiments, theelectronic device 100 further includes one or more side surfaces 1110between the front exterior surface 1151 and the rear surface 1161. Invarious embodiments, the glass housing member 1150 and/or the supportstructure 1170 house, carry, or are otherwise coupled to the variouscomponents of the electronic device 1100. For example, a processing unitof the electronic device 100 may be positioned within the supportstructure 1170.

The electronic device 1100 may include one or more speakers forproviding audio output. In various embodiments, one or more speakers1193 may be positioned within the support structure 1170 and configuredto provide audio output. The speakers may be any suitable type of audiooutput device. In various embodiments, the speakers receive signals fromother components of the electronic device 1100, such as a processingunit, and provide audio outputs in response to receiving the signals.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 1100 includes one or moreopenings to allow access to interior components of the electronicdevice. The glass housing member 1150 may include one or more openings1195 in the sidewalls (e.g., the side surfaces 1110) to allow access tointerior components of the device. Similarly, the support structure 1170may include one or more openings 1196 to allow access to interiorcomponents of the device. For example, an electronic device 1100 devicemay include connectors (e.g., for charging, communications, and thelike), and the side surfaces 1110 and/or the support structure 1170 mayinclude openings 1195, 1196 to allow cables or other components toconnect to the connectors. Example connectors include universal serialbus (USB) connectors, card readers, power cable connectors, and thelike. The opening(s) may have other functions or be associated withother components as well. For example, an opening may correspond to adisk drive to allow a disk (e.g., a DVD or CD) to be inserted into thedrive, or an opening may be used for a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt,etc.) to secure the housing member to another component, such as thesupport structure 1170.

Openings may be formed in the electronic device 1100 in any suitableway. For example, openings may be machined, laser cut, plasma cut,sawed, chemically etched, or the like. Openings may also be formed intothe glass housing member 1150 during a molding process, thus reducing oreliminating the need to form the openings after the glass housing member1150 is formed and hardened.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 1100 may providefunctionality for connecting to an additional electronic device. FIG.11E illustrates a rear perspective view of the electronic device 1100,in which the electronic device 1100 is coupled to an additionalelectronic device 1171. The additional electronic device 1171 may besubstantially any computing device capable of coupling (e.g., physicallyand/or operably) with the electronic device 1100. Example additionalelectronic devices 1171 include, but are not limited to, a personalcomputer, a notebook or laptop computer, a tablet, a smart phone, awatch, a case for an electronic device, a home automation device, and soon.

In some embodiments, the additional electronic device 1171 may directone or more operations at the electronic device 1100. For example, aprocessing unit of the additional electronic device 1171 may controlsome or all of the operations of the electronic device 1100, eitherinstead of or in addition to a processing unit positioned in theelectronic device 1100. For example, the processing unit of theadditional electronic device 1171 may be operably coupled to one or moredisplays, input devices, output devices, and the like of the electronicdevice 1100 and configured to provide functionality associated with thecoupled devices (e.g., providing a graphical output on a display,receiving inputs from an input device). In some embodiments, theelectronic device 1100 does not include a processing unit and aprocessing unit of the additional electronic device 1171 controls theoperations of the electronic device 1100.

The electronic device 1100 and the additional electronic device 1171 maybe operably coupled via one or more wireless and/or wired connections.For example, the electronic device 1100 may be paired with theadditional electronic device 1171 using one or more connectors, ports,or the like. As another example, the electronic device 1100 may bepaired with the additional electronic device 1171 using a short rangewireless interconnection; however, other wireless connection techniquesand protocols may be used.

In some embodiments, the electronic device 1100 includes a dockinginterface for physically and/or operably coupling the electronic device1100 and the additional electronic device 1171. For example, as shown inFIG. 11E, the electronic device 1100 may include a docking interface1176 for receiving one or more additional electronic devices 1171. Insome embodiments, the docking interface 1176 operably couples (e.g., bya wireless connection, a wired connection, or the like) the electronicdevice 1100 to the additional electronic device 1171 to enable and/orfacilitate data transfer, charging, or other inter-devicecommunications.

In some embodiments, the docking interface 1176 is connected to thesupport structure 1170, but other positions are envisioned. For example,the docking interface may be connected to and/or positioned on thehousing member 1150. The docking interface 1176 may physically supportthe additional electronic device 1171. For example, as shown in FIG.11E, the docking interface 1176 may support the additional electronicdevice 1171 in a vertical configuration.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an example electronic device 1200. Theelectronic device 1200 may include the same or similar components andfunctionality as other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g.,electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100).Turning to FIG. 12A, the electronic device 1200 includes a housingmember 1250 similar to those described herein (e.g., housing member150). The housing member 1250 includes an upper portion 1252, a lowerportion 1254, and a transition portion 1256. The upper portion 1252, thelower portion 1254, and the transition portion 1256 cooperate to form asingle continuous housing member that defines a shared front exteriorsurface 1251 of the housing member 1250.

In some embodiments, the housing member 1250 defines a display area 1253and a corresponding display 1263. In some embodiments, one or moreadditional areas (e.g., an input area) may partially or completelyoverlap with the display area 1253. The housing member 1250 may defineone or more biometric sensing areas, such as biometric sensing area 1257defined in the upper portion of the housing member 1250, for performingbiometric sensing. The electronic device 1100 may include components,including biometric sensors, for performing biometric sensing, such ascapturing or detecting user biometrics. For example, one or morebiometric sensors configured to perform sensing at the biometric sensingarea 1257 may be configured to detect biometric information about auser. In some embodiments, the biometric sensors includefacial-recognition sensors, which may include cameras, lenses,projectors (e.g., microdot projectors), infrared sensors, and the like,to provide facial recognition functionality. In some embodiments, thehousing member 1250 defines one or more input areas, such as input area1255.

The housing member 1250 may further define one or more openings thatextend through the housing member 1250. For example, the housing member1250 may define an opening 1286 as shown in FIG. 12A. The opening 1286may enable a variety of functions of the electronic device 1200. Forexample, the opening 1286 may provide access to a support structure(e.g., support structure 170) and/or one or more components disposed inthe support structure, such as those discussed above with respect toFIG. 11D. In some embodiments, one or more outputs of the electronicdevice 1200 pass through the opening 1286. For example, audio producedby speakers that are coupled to a support structure may travel throughthe opening 1286, which may allow the electronic device 1200 to providea better audio output to a user of the device versus embodiments withoutan opening similar to the opening 1286.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, one or more components of theelectronic device 1200 may be accessed through the opening 1286. In someembodiments, components and/or accessories (e.g., input devices, outputdevices, and the like) may extend through the opening 1286. For example,as shown in FIG. 12B, a keyboard 1285 may extend through the opening1286 for access by a user. As another example, as shown in FIG. 12C, atleast a portion of an additional computing device may extend through theopening 1286 for access by a user. The keyboard 1285 or other inputdevice(s) may be configured to transition between a storageconfiguration in which the keyboard is at least partially hidden,retracted, or the like, and a use configuration in which the keyboard ispositioned for use by a user. In some embodiments, the keyboard 1285 maybe configured to detach from the electronic device 1200 such that it maybe placed separately from the electronic device. In various embodiments,the keyboard 1285 remains operably coupled to the electronic device 1200when it is detached.

FIG. 12A shows the keyboard 1285 in a storage configuration in which thekeyboard 1285 is stored within a support structure (or otherwisepositioned behind the opening 1286). The keyboard 1285 may be recessedand/or partially surrounded by a support structure, such as thosedescribed herein. FIG. 12B shows the keyboard 1285 in a useconfiguration in which the keyboard is positioned on or above the lowerportion 1254. The keyboard 1285 may be configured to slide out of theopening 1286 as part of the transition from the storage configuration tothe use configuration, and slide into the opening 1286 as part of thetransition from the use configuration to the storage configuration.

The keyboard 1285 may be operably coupled to the electronic device 1200in a variety of ways, including a wired and/or wireless connection. Theelectronic device 1200 may be configured to receive inputs at thekeyboard 1285. In some embodiments, the keyboard 1285 interacts with aninput device of the electronic device 1200. In some embodiments, thekeyboard 1285 may transmit inputs to the electronic device 1200 throughan input device such as a touch input area. In some embodiments, thekeyboard 1285 presents a set of mechanical keys and/or key mechanismsthat contact or otherwise cause an input to be registered by a touchinput device in response to an actuation of a key of the keyboard (e.g.,when a user presses the key or the key is otherwise actuated). Theelectronic device 1200 may be configured to detect that the keyboard1285 is in a use configuration such that inputs received at the inputdevice are recognized as being provided through the keyboard 1285.

FIG. 12C illustrates the example electronic device 1200 and anadditional computing device 1271 configured to extend through theopening 1286. As noted above, n some embodiments, the opening 1286 maybe configured to receive one or more additional computing devices foraccess by a user of the electronic device 1200. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 12C, the additional computing device 1271 includes an upperportion 1275 a rotatably coupled to a lower portion 1275 b. Thecomputing device 1271 may be positioned relative to the electronicdevice 1200 such that the lower portion 1275 b extends through theopening 1286 for access by a user of the electronic device 1200.

The lower portion 1275 b of the additional computing device 1271 mayinclude a keyboard 1274, a trackpad 1272, and/or one or more additionalinput or output devices. In various embodiments, the electronic device1200 may provide functionality for connecting to the additionalelectronic device 1271. The additional electronic device 1271 may besubstantially any computing device. Example additional electronicdevices 1271 include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, anotebook or laptop computer, a tablet, a smart phone, a watch, a casefor an electronic device, a home automation device, and so on.

In some embodiments, the additional electronic device 1271 may directone or more operations at the electronic device 1200. For example, aprocessing unit of the additional electronic device 1271 may controlsome or all of the operations of the electronic device 1200, eitherinstead of or in addition to a processing unit positioned in theelectronic device 1200. For example, the processing unit of theadditional electronic device 1271 may be operably coupled to one or moredisplays, input devices, output devices, and the like of the electronicdevice 1200 and configured to provide functionality associated with thecoupled devices (e.g., providing a graphical output on a display,receiving inputs from an input device). In some embodiments, theelectronic device 1200 does not include a processing unit and aprocessing unit of the additional electronic device 1271 controls theoperations of the electronic device 1200.

The electronic device 1200 and the additional electronic device 1271 maybe operably coupled via one or more wireless and/or wired connections.For example, the electronic device 1200 may be paired with theadditional electronic device 1271 using one or more connectors, ports,or the like. As another example, the electronic device 1200 may bepaired with the additional electronic device 1271 using a short rangewireless interconnection; however, other wireless connection techniquesand protocols may be used. In some embodiments, the electronic device1200 includes a docking interface for physically and/or operablycoupling the electronic device 1200 and the additional electronic device1271.

FIG. 13A-13B illustrate an example electronic device 1300 in which ahousing member 1350 is configured to move relative to a supportstructure 1370. The electronic device 1300 may include the same orsimilar components and functionality as other electronic devicesdiscussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1171, 1200, 1271). In various embodiments, theelectronic device 1300 includes a housing member 1350 and a supportstructure 1370. The housing member 1350 includes an upper portion 1352,a lower portion 1354, and a transition portion 1356. In someembodiments, the upper portion 1352 includes a display.

As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, in some cases, the supportstructure 1370 supports the electronic device 1300. For example, in anoperating configuration of the electronic device 1300, the electronicdevice may be positioned on a support surface 1371, such as a table,desk, or other surface. The support structure 1370 may contact thesupport surface 1371 to at least partially support the electronic device1300. The support structure 1370 may cooperate with one or moreadditional components of the electronic device 1300 to provide support(e.g., to maintain the electronic device 100 in an upright position).For example in some cases, the support structure 1370 cooperates withthe housing member 1350 to provide support. In various embodiments, thesupport structure 1370, the housing member 1350, or both may contact asupport surface 1371 to support the electronic device 1300.

In some embodiments, the housing member 1350 is configured to moverelative to the support structure 1370 to change an angle of one or moreportions of the electronic device 1300. For example, the housing member1350 (e.g., the transition portion 1356 of the housing member 1350) maybe movably coupled to the support structure 1370 such that the housingmember 1350 may move relative to the support structure 1370. In a firstconfiguration shown in FIG. 13A, the upper portion 1352 that includes adisplay may have a first display angle A1, and in a second configurationshown in FIG. 13B, the upper portion 1352 may have a second displayangle A2 different from the first display angle A1. The housing member1350 may be configured to move continuously relative to the supportstructure 1370, for example between the first configuration and thesecond configuration, to provide a continuous range of different displayangles. The ability to change between different display angles may allowa user to find an optimal viewing angle for the display.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the housing member 1350 isrigid such that the portions do not move relative to one another undernormal operating conditions and forces. As such, when the display anglechanges, an input angle of the lower portion 1354 relative to a supportsurface 1371 may change. In some embodiments, an angular differencebetween a first display angle in a first configuration and a seconddisplay angle in a second configuration is equal to the angulardifference between the first input angle in the first configuration andthe second input angle in the second configuration. For example, in FIG.13A, the lower portion 1354 may be substantially parallel to a supportsurface. In FIG. 13B, the lower portion 1354 may be offset from parallelto the support surface by an amount equal to the change in the displayangle.

FIG. 14A-14B illustrate an example electronic device 1400 in which atleast a portion of a housing member 1450 is configured to move relativeto a support structure 1470. The electronic device 1400 may include thesame or similar components and functionality as other electronic devicesdiscussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1171, 1200, 1271, 1300). In various embodiments,the electronic device 1400 includes a housing member 1450 and a supportstructure 1470. The housing member 1450 includes an upper portion 1452,a lower portion 1454, and a transition portion 1456. The upper portion1452 may include a display.

In various embodiments, the one or more flexible portions of the housingmember 1450 may be formed from any suitable materials, includingceramics, polymers, metals, and the like. In some embodiments, theflexibility of the housing member 1450 is enabled by one or more hingesor rotatable mechanisms. In some embodiments, a mechanism attached tothe housing member and/or the support structure may maintain the desiredangle.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate an example electronic device 1500 in which aheight of an upper portion 1552 of a housing member 1550 is adjustable.The electronic device 1500 may include the same or similar componentsand functionality as other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g.,electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,1171, 1200, 1271, 1300, 1400). In various embodiments, the electronicdevice 1500 includes a housing member 1550 and a support structure 1570.The housing member 1550 includes an upper portion 1552, a lower portion1554, and a transition portion 1556. The upper portion 1552 may includea display. In some embodiments, the housing member 1550 includesmultiple housing member components, such as an upper component 1581 anda lower component 1582. In the embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15B, the uppercomponent 1581 forms the upper portion 1552, the lower component formsthe lower portion, and the upper component 1581 and the lower component1582 cooperate to form the transition portion 1556.

In some embodiments, the upper component 1581 is configured to moverelative to the lower component 1582. For example, as shown in FIGS.15A-15B, the upper component 1581 may move upward to change a height ofthe upper portion 1552. In various embodiments, changing the height mayadjust a display height of a display, expand a display, adjust otherareas (e.g., input areas), or some combination thereof. For example, ina first configuration shown in FIG. 15A, the upper portion 1552 may havea first height (e.g., a first display height). In a second configurationshown in FIG. 15B, the upper portion 1552 may have a second height(e.g., a second display height). The upper component 1581 may beconfigured to move continuously relative to the support structure 1570and/or the lower component 1582, for example between the firstconfiguration and the second configuration, to provide a continuousrange of different display heights. The ability to change betweendifferent display heights may allow a user to find an optimal viewingheight for the display.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing member 1550 isflexible. For example, the upper component 1581 may be flexible and mayconform to the lower component 1582 and/or the support structure 1570 asthe upper component moves relative to the lower component and/or thesupport structure. As shown in FIG. 15A, the upper component 1581 mayextend under the lower component 1582 in retracted configurations. Invarious embodiments, the one or more flexible portions of the housingmember 1550 may be formed from any suitable materials, includingceramics, polymers, metals, and the like. In some embodiments, theflexibility of the housing member 1550 is enabled by one or more hingesor rotatable mechanisms. In some embodiments, a mechanism attached tothe housing member and/or the support structure may maintain the desireddisplay height.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example electronic device 1600 in which a heightof an upper portion 1652 of a housing member 1650 is adjustable. Theelectronic device 1600 may include the same or similar components andfunctionality as other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g.,electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,1171, 1200, 1271, 1300, 1400, 1500). In various embodiments, theelectronic device 1600 includes a housing member 1650 and a supportstructure 1670. The housing member 1650 includes an upper portion 1652,a lower portion 1654, and a transition portion 1656. The upper portion1652 may include a display. In some embodiments, the housing member 1650includes multiple housing member components, such as an upper component1681 and a lower component 1682. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the uppercomponent 1681 forms the upper portion 1652, the lower component formsthe lower portion, and the upper component 1681 and the lower component1682 cooperate to form the transition portion 1656.

Similar to the electronic device 1500, in some embodiments, the uppercomponent 1681 is configured to move relative to the lower component1682. The upper component 1681 may move upward to change a height of theupper portion 1652. In various embodiments, changing the height mayadjust a display height of a display, expand a display, adjust otherareas (e.g., input areas), or some combination thereof. For example, ina first configuration shown in FIG. 16, the upper portion 1652 may havea first height (e.g., a first display height). In a secondconfiguration, the upper portion 1652 may have a second height (e.g., asecond display height). The upper component 1681 may be configured tomove continuously relative to the support structure 1670 and/or thelower component 1682, for example between the first configuration andthe second configuration, to provide a continuous range of differentdisplay heights. The ability to change between different display heightsmay allow a user to find an optimal viewing height for the display.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing member 1650 isflexible. For example, the upper component 1681 may be flexible and mayconform to the lower component 1682 and/or the support structure 1670 asthe upper component moves relative to the lower component and/or thesupport structure. As shown in FIG. 16, the upper component 1681 may beat least partially disposed within the support structure 1670 in aretracted configuration. In various embodiments, the one or moreflexible portions of the housing member 1650 may be formed from anysuitable materials, including ceramics, polymers, metals, and the like.In some embodiments, the flexibility of the housing member 1650 isenabled by one or more hinges or rotatable mechanisms. In someembodiments, a mechanism attached to the housing member and/or thesupport structure may maintain the desired display height.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example electronic device 1700 in which a heightof an upper portion 1752 of a housing member 1750 is adjustable. Theelectronic device 1700 may include the same or similar components andfunctionality as other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g.,electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,1171, 1200, 1271, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600). In various embodiments, theelectronic device 1700 includes a housing member 1750 and a supportstructure 1770. The housing member 1750 includes an upper portion 1752,a lower portion 1754, and a transition portion 1756. The upper portion1752 may include a display. In some embodiments, the housing member 1750includes multiple housing member components, such as an upper component1781 and a lower component 1782. In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the uppercomponent 1781 forms the upper portion 1652 and the lower componentforms the lower portion 1754 and the transition portion 1756.

Similar to the electronic devices 1500 and 1600, in some embodiments,the upper component 1781 is configured to move relative to the lowercomponent 1782. The upper component 1781 may move upward to change aheight of the upper portion 1752. In various embodiments, changing theheight may adjust a display height of a display, expand a display,adjust other areas (e.g., input areas), or some combination thereof. Forexample, in a first configuration shown in FIG. 17, the upper portion1752 may have a first height (e.g., a first display height). In a secondconfiguration, the upper portion 1752 may have a second height (e.g., asecond display height). The upper component 1781 may be configured tomove continuously relative to the support structure 1770 and/or thelower component 1782, for example between the first configuration andthe second configuration, to provide a continuous range of differentdisplay heights. The ability to change between different display heightsmay allow a user to find an optimal viewing height for the display.

The electronic device 1700 may further include a support member 1783coupled to the upper component 1781 and the lower component 1782. Thesupport member 1783 may facilitate movement of the upper component 1781.The support member 1783 may be movably coupled to the upper component1781 such that the upper component may move relative to the supportmember 1783. For example, the upper component 1781 may be configured toslide up and down along the support member 1783. In some embodiments, amechanism attached to the housing member, the support member, and/or thesupport structure may maintain the desired display height.

As discussed above, in various embodiments, one or more portions of theelectronic device may be flexible. In some cases, a curvature of theelectronic device may be adjustable, for example by a user. In somecases, the housing member and/or various other components of theelectronic device are flexible to variably define and/or conform to acurvature of the device. For example, input devices, display components,and other device components may be flexible.

In some embodiments, the housing member is configured to transitionbetween a first configuration in which the housing member is curved anda second configuration in which the housing member is substantiallyplanar. FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate an example electronic device 1800 inwhich a curvature of a housing member 1850 is adjustable. The electronicdevice 1800 may include the same or similar components and functionalityas other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1171, 1200, 1271,1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700). In various embodiments, the electronicdevice 1800 includes a housing member 1850 and a support structure 1870.

In some embodiments, a curvature of the housing member 1850 isadjustable. For example, the housing member 1850 may be flexible. Forexample, all or a portion of the housing member 1850 may flex to changea curvature of the housing member 1850. In a first configuration shownin FIG. 18A, the housing member 1850 has a first curvature, and in thesecond configuration shown in FIG. 18B, the housing member 1850 has asecond curvature different from the first curvature. As shown in FIG.18B, the different curvatures of the housing member 1850 may include thehousing member 1850 being substantially planar or not having a curvedshape. The housing member 1850 may be configured to move continuously,for example between the first configuration and the secondconfiguration, to provide a continuous range of different curvatures.The support structure 1870 may move relative to the housing member 1850to provide support to the housing member 1850 in various configurations.

FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate an example electronic device in which acurvature of a housing member is adjustable. The electronic device 1900may include the same or similar components and functionality as otherelectronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1171, 1200, 1271, 1300, 1400,1500, 1600, 1700, 1800). In various embodiments, the electronic device1900 may include a housing member 1950, and may define a display area1953 that includes one or more displays and/or input devices. As shownin FIG. 19A, the electronic device 1900 may have a first configurationin which the electronic device 1900 and the display area 1953 aresubstantially planar. As shown in FIG. 19B, the electronic device 1900may have a second configuration in which the electronic device 1900 andthe display area 1953 are curved. The curvature of the electronic device1900 in FIG. 19B is concave with respect to the front surface (i.e., thesurface containing the display area 1953), but in some embodiments, thecurvature may be convex. The curvature of the electronic device 1900 mayvary between several configurations. The housing member 1950 and one ormore additional components of the electronic device 1900 (e.g., displaycomponents, input devices, and the like) may be flexible to variablydefine and/or conform to the curvature of the electronic device 1900.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the electronic device 1900 may be placedhorizontally on a surface in the planar configuration, which may allowfor improved device functionality. For example, this positioning of theelectronic device 1900 may be well-suited for illustration, note-taking,or other tasks in which the device may emulate paper or anotherhorizontal working surface. As shown in FIG. 19B, the electronic device1900 may be placed on its edge in a curved configuration. In someembodiments, the electronic device 1900 may support itself on its edgewhen it is in the curved configuration. This positioning of theelectronic device 1900 may be well-suited for media functionality, suchas watching videos or viewing images.

In some embodiments, the curvature of the electronic device 1900 variesalong a length or width of the device. For example, one portion mayexhibit more curvature than another. In some embodiments, the curvatureof the electronic device is constant along a length or width of thedevice, that is, the curvature does not vary along the length or widthof the device. In various embodiments, the electronic device 1900 mayinclude a curvature control mechanism 1990, for example along a side ofthe device as shown in FIGS. 19A-19B. The curvature control mechanism1990 may control the curvature of the electronic device 1900 in variousways. For example, the curvature control mechanism 1990 may define amaximum curvature of the electronic device 1900 by preventing theelectronic device from flexing past a certain amount. As anotherexample, the curvature control mechanism may ensure that a curvature ofthe electronic device 1900 is constant along a length or width of thedevice, or a long a portion of a length or a width of the device. FIGS.19C-19D illustrate an example curvature control mechanism. FIG. 19Cshows a view of the housing member 1950 (corresponding to the viewindicated by line B-B of FIG. 19A) in which the electronic device 1900is in a planar configuration (e.g., not curved). FIG. 19D shows a viewof the housing member 1950 (corresponding to the view indicated by lineC-C of FIG. 19B) in which the electronic device 1900 is in a curvedconfiguration. The curvature control mechanism 1990 may includecomponents (e.g., components 1990 a-c) that control the curvature of theelectronic device 1900. For example, as shown in FIG. 19C, thecomponents 1990 a-c may be spaced apart such that they are not incontact in the planar configuration and in some curved configurations.The components 1990 a-c contact one another when the curvature of theelectronic device 1900 reaches a certain amount as shown in FIG. 19D.When the components 1990 a-c contact one another, they prevent theelectronic device 1900 from further flexing and define a maximumcurvature of the electronic device 1900. In various embodiments, thecomponents 1990 a-c define a consistent curvature along the length orwidth of the electronic device, which may improve the user experience byproviding a uniform appearance of the display area 1953.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 2000 may includeadditional and/or alternative curvature control mechanisms. In someembodiments, the curvature control mechanism may variably control aflexibility of the electronic device 2000. For example, in a firstconfiguration, the electronic device 2000 may have a first flexibilityand in a second configuration, the electronic device 2000 may have asecond flexibility different from the first flexibility. In some cases,for example, the electronic device may utilize electromagneticferrofluid braking, in which an electroactive fluid (e.g., a ferrofluid)is disposed in gaps in the housing member (e.g., gaps between components1990 a-c) to variably control the friction in the gaps and therebyvariably control the flexibility of the housing member.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18A-19D, additional components of theelectronic device besides the housing member may be flexible to conformto the curvature of the device. For example, input devices, displaycomponents, and other device components may be flexible.

FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate an example flexible electronic device 2000. Theelectronic device 2000 may include the same or similar components andfunctionality as other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g.,electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,1171, 1200, 1271, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900). In variousembodiments, the electronic device 2000 includes a housing member 2050that defines a display area 2053. The housing member 2050 may include anupper portion 2052, a lower portion 2054, and a transition portion 2056.

In various embodiments, the electronic device 2000 may be configured tofold or otherwise flex for storage, transportation, or otherfunctionality. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, the electronicdevice 2000 may transition from a first configuration (e.g., FIG. 20A)to a second, folded configuration (e.g., FIG. 20B). In some cases, atleast a portion of the housing member and/or various components of theelectronic device are flexible to enable the transition to a foldedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the electronic device 2000 folds along thetransition portion 2056, and the lower portion 2054 folds toward theupper portion 2052. The lower portion 2054 may contact the upper portion2052. As discussed above, in various embodiments, the lower portion 2054includes an input region, and may include various input devices such asa touch array and/or a keyboard. By folding the electronic device 2000(e.g., folding the lower portion 2054 against the upper portion 2054),one or more portions of the electronic device may be protected fromdamage and/or inadvertent inputs (e.g., actuation of keyboard keys,contact with touch areas, and the like). In some cases, the foldedconfiguration of the electronic device 2000 may also allow the device tobe carried (e.g., held in a user's hands) without marking or smudging adisplay screen. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a display maybe covered or not visible when the electronic device 2000 is in thefolded configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device may include one ormore flexure mechanisms, such as hinges or other mechanisms. In somecases, the flexure mechanisms may define and/or maintain a curvature ofthe electronic device. For example, a flexure mechanism may beconfigured to allow flexure of at least a portion of the electronicdevice 2000 in one state and prevent flexure of at least a portion ofthe electronic device 2000 in another state. FIGS. 20C-20E illustrateexample partial cross-section views of the electronic device 2000, takenthrough section line D-D of FIG. 20A. As shown in FIG. 20C, the flexuremechanism may be a hinge 2030 positioned within the housing member 2050.The hinge 2030 may have one or more pivot points (e.g., pivot points2032 a and 2032 b) about which various portions of the housing member2050 may rotate. The hinge 2030 may define a curvature of the housingmember 2050, for example by fixing a curvature of at least a portion ofthe housing member 2050. In some embodiments, the hinge 2030 have afirst state in which the housing member 2050 may move with about thepivot points and a second state in which the housing member is preventedfrom moving about the pivot points.

As shown in FIGS. 20D and 20E, the flexure mechanism may be a layerjamming mechanism 2031 positioned within the housing member 2050 andhaving a variable or tunable stiffness.

In one embodiment, the tunable stiffness is achieved using layerjamming, in which the layers 2034 a-d form a flexure mechanism 2031 withmultiple states corresponding to varying stiffness. In one embodiment,the flexure mechanism 2031 has a free state and a jammed state. In somecases, a jammed state or jamming the stack of layers refers to a statein which a normal force is applied between two or more adjacent stackedlayers to increase the friction or resistance to shear between the twolayers. FIGS. 20D and 20E illustrate example layers 2034 in differentstates corresponding to varying stiffness. FIG. 20D corresponds to afree state, and FIG. 20E corresponds to a jammed state.

In the free state shown in FIG. 20D, the layers 2034 may move in shearrelative to one another (e.g., slide relative to one another) responsiveto a force being applied to the layers. In the jammed state shown inFIG. 20E, a jamming mechanism prevents the layers from moving in shearin response to the force. For example, the jamming mechanism may resultin a normal force that compresses the layers together, therebyincreasing the friction between the layers and not allowing the layersto move in shear relative to one another. As a result, the bendingstiffness of the flexure mechanism formed by the layers is greater inthe jammed state than in the free state.

In one embodiment, the bending stiffness in the jammed state isproportional to the square of the number of layers of the flexuremechanism. For example, if the flexure mechanism has three layers, it isnine times stiffer in the jammed state than in the free state. If theflexure mechanism has ten layers, it is one hundred times stiffer in thejammed state than in the free state.

The jamming mechanism may be a vacuum pump, piston, or other mechanismcapable of applying a vacuum between the layers. In some embodiments,the jamming mechanism is operably coupled to the flexure mechanisms (forexample by a connector). In another embodiment, the jamming mechanism isintegrated with the layers themselves. For example, in some cases, thejamming is performed using electroactive layers such as electroactivepolymer layers. The size and/or shape of the layers may be adjustedbased on the introduction of electrical current and/or an electricfield, resulting in the layers transitioning between states. In oneembodiment, the flexure mechanism is in the jammed state when noelectrical field and/or current are present, and in the free state whenan electrical field and/or current are present. In another embodiment,the flexure mechanism is in the free state when no electrical fieldand/or current are present, and in the jammed state when an electricalfield and/or current are present.

The layers 2034 may be formed of a flexible material, such as fabric,polymer, leather, rubber, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), silicone, aluminum, steel, andso on. In the embodiment of FIGS. 20D-20E, four layers 2034 are shown.In various embodiments, the flexure mechanism may include more or fewerlayers 2034.

The state of the flexure mechanism 2031 may be changed to facilitatechanging a curvature of the electronic device 2000. For example, thetunable flexure mechanism 2031 may be in a jammed state during normaluse of the electronic device 2000 to provide a stiff exterior surfacesimilar to that of traditional computing devices. In one embodiment,when the flexure mechanism 2031 is transitioned from a firstconfiguration (e.g., the configuration shown in FIG. 20E) to a secondconfiguration (e.g., the configuration shown in FIG. 20D), the layerstransition to the free state (e.g., the layers are “unjammed”). As aresult, the flexure mechanism 2031 is more flexible and the curvature ofthe electronic device 2000 may be adjusted. Once the adjustment iscomplete, the layers transition to the jammed state (e.g., the layersare jammed), thereby increasing the stiffness of the electronic device2000, for example to prepare the device for normal use.

In various embodiments, the position of the flexure mechanism may vary.For example, the flexure mechanism may be positioned along a surface ofthe housing member 2050, such as a front or rear surface or a sidesurface. Similarly, the flexure mechanism may be positioned betweencomponents of the housing member 2050. The flexure mechanisms discussedabove are for illustrative purposes. In various embodiments, theelectronic device 2000 may include additional and/or alternative flexuremechanisms, and flexure mechanisms may include and/or be used incombination with one or more curvature control mechanisms, such as thosedescribed with respect to FIGS. 19C and 19D.

As discussed above, the housing member 2050 and/or components thereofmay be flexible to variably define and/or conform to the shape of theelectronic device 2000. FIGS. 20E-20G illustrate example partialcross-section views of the electronic device 2000, taken through sectionline E-E of FIG. 20B. FIGS. 20F and 20G illustrate the curvature of theelectronic device 2000 in the folded configuration. In variousembodiments, the housing member 2050 is formed of a flexible material(e.g., flexible glass) to facilitate the variable curvature. Theelectronic device may further include a flexible component 2090 thatconforms to the curvature of the housing member. In some embodiments,the flexible component 2090 may be a display component, an input device,or some combination thereof. The electronic device 2000 may includemultiple flexible components.

In some embodiments, the electronic device 2000 includes one or moreadditional flexible components, such as a processing unit, logic board,battery, or the like. For example, a component of the electronic device,such as a logic board, processing unit, or battery may be segmented intomultiple segments 2092 a-d and the segments may be connected by flexibleconnectors 2093 a-c to variably conform to the curvature of theelectronic device 2000. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 20G,a component of the electronic device may be segmented into multiplesegments 2094 a-d, which are configured to flex or otherwise moverelative to one another to variably conform to the curvature of theelectronic device. In various embodiments, the segments 2094 a-d remainoperably coupled as they move.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example electronic device 2100. The electronicdevice 2100 may include the same or similar components and functionalityas other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1171, 1200, 1271,1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000). In various embodiments,the electronic device 2100 may include a housing member 2150. Thehousing member may define one or more display and/or input areas and mayinclude one or more display components, input devices, and the like. Insome embodiments, the housing member 2150 is shaped or otherwise formedto support the electronic device 2100. For example, the housing member2150 may include one or more legs 2165 that support the electronicdevice. The legs 2165 may be formed similarly to the housing membersdiscussed herein. For example, the legs 2165 may be formed of slumpedglass. In various embodiments, the legs 2165 are formed from a commonworkpiece (e.g., piece of glass) as other portions of the housing member2150. For example, a single sheet of glass may be cut and bent to formthe housing member 2150 and legs 2165.

FIG. 22 is an illustrative block diagram of an electronic device 2200 asdescribed herein (e.g., electronic devices 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1171, 1200, 1271, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700,1800, 1900, 2000, 2100). The electronic device can include a display2216, one or more processing units 2208, memory 2202, one or moreinput/output (I/O) devices 2204, a power source 2206, and a networkcommunication interface 2210.

The display 2216 may provide an image or graphical output (e.g.,computer-generated image data) for the electronic device. The displaymay also provide an input surface for one or more input devices, suchas, for example, a touch sensing device and/or a fingerprint sensor. Thedisplay 2216 may be substantially any size and may be positionedsubstantially anywhere on the electronic device. The display 2216 can beimplemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited toliquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED)technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organicelectroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of displaytechnology. The display 2216 provides a graphical output, for exampleassociated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applicationsof the electronic device 2200. In some embodiments, the display 2216 isconfigured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/orforce-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. In someembodiments, the touch-sensitive display includes one or more sensors(e.g., capacitive touch sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or other touchsensors) positioned above, below, or integrated with the display. Invarious embodiments, a graphical output of the display 2216 isresponsive to inputs provided to the electronic device 2200.

The processing unit 2208 can control some or all of the operations ofthe electronic device. The processing unit 2208 can communicate, eitherdirectly or indirectly, with substantially all of the components of theelectronic device. For example, a system bus or signal line 2212 orother communication mechanisms (e.g., electronic connectors) can providecommunication between the processing unit(s) 2208, the memory 2202, theI/O device(s) 2204, the power source 2206, and/or the networkcommunication interface 2210. The one or more processing units 2208 canbe implemented as any electronic device capable of processing,receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, theprocessing unit(s) 2208 can each be a microprocessor, a centralprocessing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit, afield-programmable gate array, a digital signal processor, an analogcircuit, a digital circuit, or combination of such devices. Theprocessor may be a single-thread or multi-thread processor. Theprocessor may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

Accordingly, as described herein, the phrase “processing unit” or, moregenerally, “processor” refers to a hardware-implemented data processingunit or circuit physically structured to execute specifictransformations of data including data operations represented as codeand/or instructions included in a program that can be stored within andaccessed from a memory. The term is meant to encompass a singleprocessor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processingunits, analog or digital circuits, or other suitably configuredcomputing element or combination of elements.

The memory 2202 can store electronic data that can be used by theelectronic device. For example, a memory can store electrical data orcontent such as, for example, audio and video files, documents andapplications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals,signals received from the one or more sensors, one or more patternrecognition algorithms, data structures or databases, and so on. Thememory 2202 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of exampleonly, the memory can be implemented as random access memory, read-onlymemory, flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storageelements, or combinations of such devices.

The one or more I/O devices 2204 can transmit and/or receive data to andfrom a user or another electronic device. The I/O device (s) 2204 caninclude any components discussed such as display components, inputdevices, and the like. The I/O device(s) 2204 can further include adisplay, a touch or force sensing input surface such as a trackpad, oneor more buttons, one or more microphones or speakers, one or more portssuch as a microphone port, one or more accelerometers for tap sensing,one or more optical sensors for proximity sensing, and/or a keyboard.

The power source 2206 can be implemented with any device capable ofproviding energy to the electronic device. For example, the power source2206 can be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries, or aconnection cable that connects the electronic device to another powersource such as a wall outlet.

The network communication interface 2210 can facilitate transmission ofdata to or from other electronic devices. For example, a networkcommunication interface can transmit electronic signals via a wirelessand/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired networkconnections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,IR, and Ethernet.

It should be noted that FIG. 22 is for illustrative purposes only. Inother examples, an electronic device may include fewer or morecomponents than those shown in FIG. 22. Additionally or alternatively,the electronic device can be included in a system and one or morecomponents shown in FIG. 22 are separate from the electronic device butincluded in the system. For example, an electronic device may beoperatively connected to, or in communication with a separate display.As another example, one or more applications can be stored in a memoryseparate from the electronic device. The processing unit in theelectronic device can be operatively connected to and in communicationwith the separate display and/or memory.

Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit ofthe disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementingfunctions may also be physically located at various positions, includingbeing distributed such that portions of functions are implemented atdifferent physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in theclaims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of”indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at leastone of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., Aand B and C). Further, the term “exemplary” does not mean that thedescribed example is preferred or better than other examples.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a glass housingmember comprising: an upper portion defining a first region of acontinuous exterior surface of the electronic device; a lower portiondefining a second region of the continuous exterior surface of theelectronic device; and a transition portion extending between the upperportion and the lower portion and defining a third region of thecontinuous exterior surface of the electronic device, the transitionportion configured to bend in response to the lower portion beingarticulated between a first angular position relative to the upperportion and a second angular position relative to the upper portion; adisplay coupled to the glass housing member and configured to provide agraphical output at a display area extending from the upper portion andat least partially through the transition portion; and an input devicecoupled to the glass housing member and configured to detect an input atan input area extending from the lower portion and at least partiallythrough the transition portion.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein: in the first angular position, the first region, the secondregion, and the third region of the continuous exterior surface arecoplanar; and in the second angular position, the first region, thesecond region, and the third region of the continuous exterior surfaceare not coplanar.
 3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein, in thesecond angular position: the input area is substantially parallel to asupport surface; and the upper portion is positioned at a non-parallelorientation with respect to the support surface.
 4. The electronicdevice of claim 3, wherein in the second angular position, the upperportion is orientated at an angle that is between a parallel and anorthogonal orientation with respect to the support surface.
 5. Theelectronic device of claim 2, wherein in the second angular position, afront of the display is oriented toward the input device.
 6. Theelectronic device of claim 5, wherein in the second angular position,the lower portion is parallel to the upper portion.
 7. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the glass housing member is a single piece ofglass.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display areaextends from the upper portion, through the transition portion, to thelower portion.
 9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the inputarea extends from the lower portion, through the transition portion, tothe upper portion.
 10. An electronic device comprising: a glass housingmember comprising: a first glass sheet defining a continuous frontexterior surface of the glass housing member; and a second glass sheetdefining a rear exterior surface of the glass housing member, the firstand second glass sheets defining: an upper portion of the glass housingmember; a lower portion of the glass housing member; and a transitionportion of the glass housing member extending between the upper portionand the lower portion, the transition portion configured to bend tochange an angular position between the upper portion and the lowerportion; a display positioned between the first glass sheet and thesecond glass sheet and configured to provide a graphical output at theupper portion; and an input device positioned between the first glasssheet and the second glass sheet and configured to detect an input atthe lower portion.
 11. The electronic device of claim 10, furthercomprising a flexure mechanism positioned within the transition portion,wherein the flexure mechanism defines a curvature of the transitionportion when the transition portion is in a bent configuration.
 12. Theelectronic device of claim 11, wherein the flexure mechanism comprises ahinge that defines a pivot point of the flexure mechanism, wherein theupper portion and the lower portion articulate about the pivot point.13. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the flexure mechanismcomprises a locking mechanism, wherein: in a first state the lockingmechanism is configured to prevent the transition portion from bending;and in a second state the locking mechanism is configured to allow thetransition portion to bend.
 14. The electronic device of claim 11,wherein the flexure mechanism is positioned between the first glasssheet and the second glass sheet.
 15. The electronic device of claim 10,wherein: the display extends at least partially through the transitionportion; and the input device extends at least partially through thetransition portion.
 16. An electronic device comprising: a glass housingmember comprising: a first portion at least partially defining acontinuous exterior surface of the electronic device; a second portionat least partially defining the continuous exterior surface of theelectronic device; and a third portion extending between the firstportion and the second portion and at least partially defining thecontinuous exterior surface of the electronic device, the third portionconfigured to allow an angular position between the first portion andthe second portion to be varied; and a touch-sensitive display coupledto the glass housing member, the touch-sensitive display comprising afirst display portion positioned at the first portion of the glasshousing member, a second display portion positioned at the secondportion of the glass housing member, and a third display portionpositioned at the third portion of the glass housing member.
 17. Theelectronic device of claim 16, wherein the glass housing membercomprises a flexible glass material that is configured to bend to changethe angular position between the first portion and the second portion.18. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein in a first operatingmode: the first display portion of the touch-sensitive display isconfigured to provide a graphical output at the first portion of theglass housing member; the second display portion of the touch-sensitivedisplay is configured to detect an input at the second portion of theglass housing member; and the first operating mode is activated inresponse to the third portion of the glass housing member beingarticulated to define a non-planar orientation between the first portionof the glass housing member and the second portion of the glass housingmember.
 19. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein in a secondoperating mode: the first portion of the glass housing member, thesecond portion of the glass housing member, and the third portion of theglass housing member are configured to provide a graphical output anddetect an input; and the second operating mode is activated in responseto the third portion of the glass housing member being articulated todefine a planar orientation between the first portion of the glasshousing member and the second portion of the glass housing member. 20.The electronic device of claim 16, wherein a processing unit, a logicboard, a battery, or a combination thereof are positioned at the thirdportion of the glass housing member and configured to move in responseto a change in the angular position between the first portion of theglass housing member and the second portion of the glass housing member.